Deputies said Mr. Deshane was under the influence of alcohol and was standing in the middle of the southbound lane of Route 56, near the Lowes Home Improvement center in the town of Potsdam, about 1:30 a.m. Sept. 12 when he was struck by a car driven by Natalie G. Plunkett.

Ms. Plunkett, 26, of 575 Sissonville Road, was driving in heavy rain when she saw Mr. Deshane in the road, attempted to avoid him and sideswiped him, deputies said.

Mr. Deshane was taken to Canton-Potsdam Hospital for treatment of head injuries before being transferred to Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vt., in critical condition.

He has since been released from the hospital.

Deputies said Ms. Plunkett will not be charged in the accident.

Mr. Deshane was issued an appearance ticket for Potsdam Town Court.

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